Measures the overall testosterone in your blood, a key hormone for sexual health and vitality.
Total testosterone measures all the testosterone in your blood, both the part bound to proteins and the small active free part. It is the main male sex hormone, made mostly in the testes in men and in smaller amounts by the ovaries and adrenal glands in women.
Testosterone supports muscle and bone strength, sex drive, mood, and, in men, sperm production.
Total testosterone is the first test used to assess low testosterone in men, with symptoms like low libido, fatigue, and loss of muscle. In women it helps look into excess male-pattern hair growth, acne, and irregular cycles.
Low testosterone in men can come from the testes or from the pituitary. High testosterone in women can point to PCOS or, rarely, a hormone-producing tumour. Because SHBG changes how much is active, results are often read with SHBG.
Aniva reads your result against research-backed ranges, not just the lab's wide normal. The reference shown below is specific to this biomarker.
Strongly sex dependent. Best drawn in the morning. Guidance only and assay dependent. Ranges vary by lab.
| Group | Reference range |
|---|---|
| Men, adult | ~8.6 to 29 nmol/L |
| Women, adult | ~0.3 to 1.7 nmol/L |
Source: LOINC 2986-8. Confirm against your own laboratory's range.
Your result shows where your testosterone sits for your sex. Read with SHBG, and in men with LH and FSH, it helps explain symptoms of low or high androgens and points to the likely cause.
Testosterone is highest in the morning and varies day to day, so timing and repeat testing matter. Acute illness lowers it. SHBG changes the active fraction. High-dose biotin supplements can interfere with certain assays.
Best read together with SHBG to estimate free testosterone, and with LH and FSH in men, or DHEA-S in women with androgen excess.
What does a total testosterone result mean? It shows your overall testosterone amount. Age, sex, time of day, and symptoms help interpret it. Abnormal results are often confirmed with a repeat morning test.
Do I need to fast for this test? Fasting is usually not required. A morning sample is recommended; follow your clinician’s advice if they prefer fasting for consistency.
When should I test and how often? Test in the morning, ideally 7 to 10 am. If levels are borderline or unexpected, repeat on a different morning; future testing depends on symptoms or treatment plans.
What can affect my results? Hormone therapy, anabolic steroids, opioids, glucocorticoids, oral estrogen, high-dose biotin, illness, poor sleep, and hard exercise can shift levels. Share all medicines and supplements with your clinician.
How long do results take? Results are usually ready in about 7 days.
What should I discuss with my clinician? Your symptoms, timing of the sample, medications, supplements, and fertility goals. Ask whether to check free testosterone, SHBG, LH/FSH, or other related tests.
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